Congressman Collins on Bill Kokaly’s death.
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the below statement after Bill Kokaly, a member of his staff and a dear friend, died following an 18-month battle with cancer.
“Like most people, I have been blessed with childhood friends who have walked with me and my family through every phase of life, constant in a sea of ever-changing tides. However, I believe that God brings other folks into your life at the right time to help you through a season in your life that only that person can fill. This morning one of those people finished his calling.
“It is with a very heart that I have to announce that Bill Kokaly died this morning. Bill has been with me from the beginning of my first campaign for Congress and has been a part of my staff – and more importantly, a part of my family – ever since. His amazing dedication to the work of the 9th District and to his family will never be replaced. He was a man of passion and strength, which is growing rare in these times.
“Bill and I both shared a love of, as Bill would put it, our Air Force. The old MSgt never left his service behind. There is one group this morning that will miss Mr. Bill as much as I do, and that is all of the students that he helped get accepted to the service academies. He loved each and every one of those kids and followed their careers just like a proud parent.
“To his wife, Gail, and the rest of Bill’s family, we share your pain and hold you close in our prayers. On a personal note, I will miss you, my friend. You taught me so much and I will miss our time together. Your season in my life ended too soon but I am the blessed one to have even had this season with you at all. God bless you, my friend. We will miss you.”
About Author
IrishPat
Patrick Malone is a Business Advisor and Leadership Mentor headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia. He co-hosts Mountain Daybreak and Mountain Mornings, weekday news programs, and hosts This Week in Blairsville a weekend program on WJUL/WJRB. He is a mentor in Union County High School, serves on his church council and writes a monthly column on leadership in the animal healthcare industry.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Bill Kokaly was the Senior Field Representative for Doug Collins in Georgia’s 9th Congressional District – and a friend. An Air Force veteran, Bill served in a role that was often the face of the Congressional office when Congressman Collins is in Washington. Field Representatives are the folks that step in when a constituent needs help with the V.A., or getting their Social Security benefits, or maybe getting a passport expedited.
If you’ve attended a civic event like Kiwanis or Rotary in the 9th District, or a GOP event of any kind, you’ve likely seen and met Bill. The other more prominent role of a Field Representative is to represent the Congressional office within the district.
The Field Rep is the eyes and ears of the member. While the elected official spends most of the time in Washington, the FR is integral to ensuring that the concerns of the district are heard and understood, in real time.
Bill loved this part of the job, and it’s how I got to know him. While these type of events are “not my favorite”, he relished them. As a veteran, he truly enjoyed serving his country and this job was a great extension of his service. He enjoyed his role in helping solve problems.
Bill battled back cancer a couple of years ago – a journey he was quite public with on social media. Two weeks ago he announced that the cancer had returned and that this time it was aggressive and advanced. Bill is now at peace – his work here is complete and his job well done.
On behalf of those of us at GeorgiaPol.com, I extend condolences to Bill’s family, Congressman Collins and his staff, and all the constituents of Georgia’s 9th Congressional District who are better off for Bill’s tireless dedication to his district and to our country.